Week After Christmas?

[brandip22]

Do any of y'all go the week after Christmas? That's when I have vacation this year, so we are thinking of going then. We'll probably come the Sunday after Christmas and stay until that Friday. I am going to be a SSR owner as soon as that paperwork gets here and my UY will be March, so I'll get more points before I'll need them again. I made that comment because I don't care if the points will be higher at that time. I know a lot of DVCers go the two weeks before, but do you think it'll be hard to get a space the week after? My guide Julie said that as soon as we are "official" I can make my first reservation. I will assume that we will be "official" in late February or early March, so do y'all think it will be in time to get a room? Thanks for your help!

 

[PamOKW]

Are you talking about Dec. 26-30? If so, that is absolutely THE busiest time at WDW -- at all the resorts. It is also a fabulous time to be there but make your reservations as soon as possible and read up on advice for that time of year.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I will assume that we will be "official" in late February or early March

No it will be sooner. Since you are buying through Disney you will be official as soon as you send in your signed paperwork. When you send it back talk to your guide and find out when you can make a reservation.

As Pam has said, the week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest week of the year but can be a lot of fun if you take it easy and do things right. We have been there for the last two years at this time and it has been great. Get your paperwork in because it will be next week when others can start making reservations for that period.

HBC

 

[gazeborob]

I have to say that even though the parks were jammed, it was one of our best trips! The weather this past year was so nice all week. We just took our time, never got in a rush in the parks, and sat around by the pool. Heck, I even met a fellow DIS member. ( Hi HBC ) We found it nice to be able to cook dinner and be able to eat at home so we didn't have to fight the crouds for meals. If you plan it right, it will be a great time.

Rob

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I agree that it is a great time to go and it is amazing who you might end up meeting at the hot tub. Hi Rob Sitting around the pool is one thing that is nice to do at this time of the year because the parks are crowded and it is freezing at home. I love having a picture of my kids swimming and the date stamped on the picture being January 1.

HBC

 

[brandip22]

Thank y'all for your input. I think the "taking it easy" approach sounds great! We decided this year that we are going to go away for Christmas each year so our families don't fight over who gets us. We want Christmas to be a special time just for us. I think sitting around the pool sounds so good. We have a son who'll be 29 months at that time and probably we wouldn't spend a great deal of time at the parks anyway. We'll be going back in June of 2005 with our big family, so it would be nice to save money on park tickets- or get annuals and not have to jam in going to all the parks. I can't wait!!

 

[PamOKW]

Just a caution that weather during Christmas Week is totally unpredictable. This year they really lucked out and got beautiful summery weather. But, it's not unusual to have daytime temps in the 40-50 range and nighttime temps that can even go into the 20's.

 

[kem330]

HBC is right, if you buy direct from Disney, you can make a reservation as soon as your deposit is made. Check with your guide- they can give you your member # Or call member services and they can look it up with your social security #.
Advice: book room asap. This year you are probably okay but in the future as SSR sells out, it doesn't hurt to call day by day and have the reservations linked. This is especially true if your stay includes NYE which is the hardest night to get in DVC. Also make PS dining arrangements 90 days ahead if possible. It can get very difficult to get reservations at this time of year. It's a great time to visit if you can manage the crowds!

 

[kimbamickey]

I am a new SSR owner, and I am planning a trip from Dec. 30 - Jan. 2. My paperwork has been recorded, but when I called MS they told me that I still had to follow the 11 month prior to check-out rule. Did I misunderstand the comments above that we can reserve as soon as the paperwork is completed? Sorry- I am just starting ot get the hang of all of this stuff.

Also I would like to get a grand villa? Will this be virtually impossible? Any advice?

 

[KathyR]

when I called MS they told me that I still had to follow the 11 month prior to check-out rule. Did I misunderstand the comments above that we can reserve as soon as the paperwork is completed?

Yes, you must still wait for the 11 month window to open up. If you are calling day-by-day, then you make your first call on Jan 31, and then each day after that. I am assuming that is a Mon-Fri. If not, then you make your first call the Mon after the 31st.